The joy of quitting

Life’s too short for boring books.

Artwork by Kate Lewis

There’s something quietly radical about saying, “This just isn’t for me.”

33-year-old Ekaterina Pyankova shared a life lesson about quitting a novel halfway through, not because she was lazy, but because it just bored her.

“I always thought that if you start something, you have to finish it; quitters are weak. But what if you started a Dostoyevsky book (which is a great classic and everyone has to read it) and it doesn't excite you? How much time do I spend finishing what I started just because I have to finish? Wouldn't it be better to quit, not feel guilty and move to a new thing that is truly exciting?!”

The result was a sense of relief, joy, and permission.

We’re often taught to push through, whether it is to finish the book or stick with the hobby, even if we’re no longer enjoying it. But quitting isn’t always giving up. Sometimes, it’s choosing better and recognising that your time and attention are precious and that joy matters.

So here is this week’s gentle nudge: Quit what’s holding you back. Yes, that includes the 900-page “must-read” you’ve been pretending to read for months, and the movie you’re watching just to keep up with your friends.

You want to read a YA romance instead of a literary classic? Go for it.
You’d rather binge courtroom dramas than endure one more slow-burn action flick? Why not!

Art isn’t supposed to be homework. It’s meant to move you, amuse you, make you feel something. And if it’s not doing that, then maybe it’s time to stop forcing it.

Because you don’t owe anyone a finished book, but you do owe yourself delight.

With full permission to quit,
Team FUEL.

What’s a life lesson you’ve learned that changed the way you see things? Share it with us here.